Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
So I went down to Mo Daddy’s the other night to check out the new chicken-and-waffles place and catch some music. I had no idea who was playing. So when the Smart Brothers took the stage, I didn’t know what to expect.
I was more than pleasantly surprised as this West Coast duo (yes, they’re really brothers) won me over with their high-energy banjo music a la the Avett Brothers. The Smart Brothers bring a little more vaudeville to their act, but it sure did remind me of the Avetts.
The Smarts played banjo and guitar, as well as a slide whistle, uke, recorder, harmonica and fife, just to name a few. They had a tambourine strapped to a board on the floor, good for foot-rattling. And they played a piece of luggage. Yeah, luggage. A big black Samsonite suitcase, rigged to a microphone and a thumper, so that every push of a pedal produced a really fat-sounding beat. Wonderful.
The Smarts Brothers musicianship, to my ear, was a little loose. We’re so used to seeing technically proficient banjo players around here that it’s easy to spot someone who doesn’t quite have the chops. And mountain music is often filled with tight, tight harmonies, so when that’s missing, you notice that, too.
But the overall listening experience with the Smart Brothers is one of sweet fun. I watched a number of passersby on the street stop when they heard the Smarts inside. Their music drew them in, or got them dancing on the sidewalk.
Keep an eye on these guys, and see them next time they come to Asheville. You might even catch them on the street. These guys said they played for tips on Friday night in front of Mast General.
The Smart Brothers won me over. I hope to see them again soon.
